Academy Award winning actress Julia Roberts will join the Alliance for Clean Cookstoves as "Global Ambassador," and together with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will help to bring attention to the global issue that kills nearly 2 million people annually: toxic smoke from unsafe and inefficient cookstoves.

Ms. Roberts first learned about the Alliance's effort while interviewing Secretary of State Clinton for a special airing on the Oprah Winfrey Network. "Extraordinary Moms," presented and executive produced by Ms. Roberts, airs Saturday, May 7 from 8:00-9:30 p.m. (EDT/PDT).

"Nearly 2 million people around the world -- mostly women and children -- die each year from an activity that many of us take for granted: cooking for our families," Ms. Roberts said. "I am proud to stand with Secretary Clinton to work to reduce the senseless and preventable deaths from unsafe cooking conditions in the developing world and I look forward to contributing to the important work of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves."

In her new role, Ms. Roberts, alongside Secretary Clinton, the United Nations Foundation, and other Alliance partners, will be instrumental in achieving the Alliance's goal of 100 million homes' adopting clean and efficient cookstoves and fuels by 2020.

Encouraging the development and use of clean cookstoves in cultures, communities, and countries throughout the developing world is consistent with the core principles of U.S. foreign policy and development efforts, which focus on improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable populations.

On September 21, 2010, Secretary Clinton announced the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, a public-private partnership led by the UN Foundation, to save lives, improve livelihoods, empower women, and combat climate change by creating a thriving global market for clean and efficient household cooking solutions.

The Alliance is a public-private partnership of more than 60 national governments, UN agencies, private companies and nongovernmental organizations mobilized to help overcome the market barriers that currently impede the production, deployment, and use of clean cookstoves in the developing world.

Awesome picture, great ladies. I think we all can appreciate what women contribute in life. Bigtime Bravo Zulu for all Mothers and ofcourse Good Job!!! Julia Roberts always seemed like the most sexy woman in those movies.

Smith

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Nigeria

May 23, 2011

Smith in Nigeria writes:

Julia's passion in the movies will propel her to do even great...well done.

Karren

September 1, 2011

Karren writes:

I'm glad Julia Roberts is finally using her fame for a worthy cost.

DonaldM

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Virginia, USA

September 1, 2011

Donald M. in Virginia writes:

Wow Julia Roberts one of the hottest actresses, I have always enjoyed her films. Good job and a Bravo Zulu for the work she does! Of course if she wants to show off in a bikini on here, I wouldn't LOOK! ha. ha. ha. she is one great person.